Ephesians
Chapter Six
|
Preface The Apostle Paul continues in this chapter with practical behavioral advice to the Christians at Ephesus. After his discussion regarding Christian behavior relevant to marriage, specifically the relationship between a husband and wife in chapter 5, he continues with Christian behavior relevant to the parent-child relationship (6:1-4) and, then a few comments on a common and traditional home-life relationship of that day, specifically Christian behavior relevant to the master-servant (slave) relationship (6:5-9). He lastly concludes this epistle with a discourse on the true spiritual enemy facing Christians during this life and the protection afforded them by God in light of this most awesome foe. Prior to engaging in commentary regarding these concluding issues, the following outline of the Book of Ephesians is taken from the Ryrie Study Bible by Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Th.D., Ph.D. and is offered for the reader’s consideration. I. Greetings, 1:1-2 II. The Position of Believers, 1:3-3:21 A. Chosen and Sealed, 1:3-23 B. Saved by Grace, 2:1-10 C. United in One Body, 2:11-22 D. Equal in the Body (the Mystery), 3:1-21 III. The Practice of Believers, 4:1-6:9 A. In Relation to Other Believers, 4:1-6 B. In Relation to Spiritual Gifts, 4:7-16 C. In Relation to the Former Life, 4:17-32 D. In Relation to Evil, 5:1-17 E. In Relation to the Holy Spirit, 5:18-21 F. In Relation to Home Life, 5:22-6:4 G. In Relation to Slaves and Masters, 6:5-9 IV. The Protection for Believers, 6:10-20 A. Against Whom? 6:10-12 B. With What? 6:13-20 V. Concluding Words, 6:21-24 Christian behavior relevant to the parent-child relationship (6:1-4) Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Just as husbands and wives, when filled with the Holy Spirit, are submissive to each other in God’s established order, so will children and parents, when filled with God’s Spirit, be submissive to each other in God’s established order. God’s established order outlines specific responsibilities for both parties in this relationship. First Paul addresses children of Christian parents directly. They are to be obedient to their parents in the Lord, which is to say that they are to obey their parents in all matters that are in accordance with the will of God (a child should not be expected to comply with a parent who orders him to sin). This instruction to the child is comprehensive, as is seen in Colossians 3:20. If the child does otherwise this would be symptomatic of a disintegrating social structure, a condition of the last days (2 Timothy 3:2). The best example of this submissive relationship by a child to the parent is found in Christ’s obedience to His earthy parents during His earthly-human childhood (Luke 2:51). Paul lists four reasons for this instruction to children. They are:
Paul declares that this model of behavior is just before God. This is evident in that when God gave His commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, He listed the fifth one to “honor one’s father and mother” as the first commandment that included a positive promise (as opposed to a description of His nature in commandment number two). The fifth commandment is quoted as confirmation of v.1 (Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16). Paul appeals to what the children had already learned, for their Christian education began with the Decalogue. To “honor” (CK 5506) is more than to obey; it means to respect and esteem. (NIV Bible Commentary, Barker & Kohlenberger III, editors) The promise in the fifth commandment was two-fold. First, an obedient child could expect a better, more fulfilling and productive life. Why? Because it usually follows that children who are wise enough to follow the collective wisdom of their parents (and elders), such wisdom born from years of trial and error experiences, will avoid the pitfalls and difficulties that await them in all areas of life. Second, an obedient child could expect to live longer than a disobedient child. Why? Because of the same reason just given. Life holds many dangers and hazards for a maturing child. The parent, having experienced so many of these, can wisely enable a “listening” and “obedient” child to avoid such perils. But there is another side to the parent-child relationship. Paul addresses this by saying, And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Here he sites only the father, since it was he who was considered as the “head of the family,” though the term could mean “parents.” Parents should never make unreasonable demands on their children; otherwise, they may become discouraged (Colossians 3:21) and cease to listen and comply. Children should be treated with respect and tenderness (compassion and understanding). Children are a heritage from the Lord (Ps 127:4); they are to be reared for Him. The verb “bring up” (GK 1763) has to do in the first place with bodily nourishment (5:29) and then with education in its entirety. Paul mentions two aspects of such domestic education. “Training” (GK 4082) in the Greco-Roman world meant strict discipline; what Paul is referring to here is training in righteousness. “Instruction” (GK 3804) is correction by word of mouth. Remonstration and reproof are implied, but also advice and encouragement. What we have here is the beginning of Christian education in the home. (NIV Bible Commentary, Barker & Kohlenberger III, editors) My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. (Proverbs 1:8, 9) Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Proverbs 23:22) The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it. (Proverbs 30:17) For God commanded, saying, “Honor your father and your mother;” and, “He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.” (Matthew 15:4) Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 11:18, 19) We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. (Psalm 78:4) Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Christian behavior relevant to the master-servant relationship (6:5-9) Ephesians 6:5-9 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. The apostle deals finally with the relationship between slaves and masters. He is still concerned with the Christian household, for the majority of slaves were employed in the home. It is estimated that there were over sixty million of them in the Roman Empire—about one-third of the total population—and more and more were becoming Christians. Most of them would be in pagan employment, though a few may have had Christian masters, like Onesimus (a slave of Philemon). The fact that Paul has more to say to slaves than to masters (cf. Col 3:22-4:1) may reflect the social structure of these Asian churches. He addresses them on an equality with their masters and assumes that they have a Christian vocation. In a society that regarded slaves as no more than living tools, this was a sufficiently radical change of attitude. It did not immediately lead to emancipation but clearly paved the way. It is significant that, whereas marriage and the family are presented as divine ordinances, no such claim is made for the institution of slavery. (NIV Bible Commentary, Barker & Kohlenberger III) Slavery was a significant institution during this age and in this society. Many slaves and masters had become Christian, so Paul found it necessary to address them. Paul’s statements neither condemn nor condone slavery. Instead they instruct both slaves and masters on how to live together as Christians in an anti-Christian environment. The Bible is primarily a tutorial on spirituality, spiritual living and spiritual relationships. It is also the most reliable history book available to man. It is all of this and more, but it is not necessarily a textbook on social relationships. God did not originate nor has He ever condoned slavery, a product of the evil nature residing in man. This may also be said of prejudice, the kinsman of slavery. Paul realized his mission was not to foster social change within his society, even though this eventually came about from Christian thinking and practice, but he did need to address Christian behavior as it pertained to the slave-master relationship. Most of the instruction given by Paul in this passage may be applied to the employee-employer relationship. Paul offers the following guiding principles in this matter.
Next, our work should be “as to Christ.” These words show that there should be no real distinction between the secular and the sacred. All that we do should be for Him—with a view to pleasing and honoring Him and to attracting others to Him. The most menial and commonplace tasks in life are ennobled and dignified when they are done for the glory of God. Even washing dishes! That is why some Christian housewives have this motto over their kitchen sink: “Divine service held here three times daily.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald) Verse 5 is a duplication of the last point above. A servant or employee should avoid all appearance of hypocrisy or show, but should serve and work with a genuine heart-felt effort knowing that by so doing he is doing the will of God. Then Paul confirms that when service or employment is carried out in this fashion, God will see it and reward the servant or employee in the same genuine and beneficial manner. Before leaving this section on slaves, some comments should be made:
(Believer’s Bible Commentary by William Macdonald) Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:22-24) Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.(1 Timothy 6:1, 2) Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. (Titus 2:9, 10) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. (1 Peter 2:18) Paul’s final instruction in regards to the master-slave relationship is to the master. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Essentially Paul is saying that the master or employer should also treat the servant or employee with equal respect and courtesy. He must be guided by the same principles of fairness, kindness and honesty. He should be particularly careful to refrain from abusive and “threatening” language or treatment. The golden rule is extended to this most controversial of all relationships within the society of the day. Masters were to treat their slaves as they themselves expected to be treated. Though they gave the orders, they were to do so as themselves being under the authority of a heavenly Master. The common factor is that both were seeking to do the will of God (v.6). Masters must therefore refrain from browbeating their slaves by the treat of severe reprisals for unsatisfactory work. Vicious cruelty was rife among pagan slave-owners. Since their victims had no legal redress, they could be kicked around at will. Christian masters were to show themselves different by not cracking the whip but treating their slaves kindly and fairly. Christian masters as well as Christian slaves (v.8) know that they
all serve a heavenly Lord to whom they equally belong. With Him no
“favoritism” (GK 4721) exists. This word means literally to look to
see who someone is before deciding how to treat that person. God had
no “teacher’s pets.” Slaves are as precious in His sight as masters,
and more is expected from those who are entrusted with greater
responsibilities.
For there is no partiality with God. (Romans 2:11) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:11) But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:25; 4:1) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Paul concludes his epistle to the Ephesian Christians by reminding them that the Christian life is not a game; it is a spiritual war. Every believer is a soldier for Jesus Christ and is in constant battle against the forces of evil. But the truth is that no person, Christian or otherwise, in his own might and power is any match for Satan and his forces of darkness. Unfortunately, this is how so many Christians choose to fight the spiritual battles confronting them on a daily basis. Paul immediately provides the key to winning spiritual victories by saying, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Just as a person is absolutely, utterly, completely and totally (Get the emphasis?) powerless to save himself from eternal wrath, he is also the same when it comes to living victoriously for Jesus Christ. That is why in Colossians 2:6, it says “As [by faith alone] you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so [in the same manner, by faith alone] walk in Him.” Once a Christian steps outside the boundaries of grace (which is God doing for man and not man doing for God) and endeavors to fight Satan by utilizing his own power and self-will, he will be defeated in every single spiritual combat engagement. The only way a believer can stand up against Satan and his wiles is by being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This is the equivalency of being “filled with [controlled by] the Spirit of God.” And as has been previously discussed, this is a function of (1) being free from all known sin through confession—1 John 1:9 and (2) accepting God’s control or power over one’s life through the principle of faith—Colossians 2:6. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) In military strategy one must never underestimate the strength of the enemy. Paul . . . gives a realistic report of its potential. The “struggle” (lit., “wrestling”) is not merely against human foes but a war to the death against supernatural forces. Four aspects of the corporate menace are presented here. The
particular terms used are in themselves morally neutral, though in
Paul they invariably indicate something sinister (1:21; 3:11). “Rulers
(GK 794) are “cosmic powers.” Until the end of this age these demonic
forces, already defeated by Christ on the cross (4:9), exercise
limited authority (here “authorities;” GK 2026) in temporarily
opposing the purposes of God. The title “powers” (GK 3179) denotes
those who aspire to world control. It was attached to savior gods in
the ethnic religions and identified with the sun. The expression “the
spiritual forces of wickedness” suggests the heavenly bodies, which
were regarded as the abode of demons who held human lives in their
grip. Pagans had no option but to resign themselves to an unalterable
destiny. But Christians can fight against such malign influences. “The
heavenly realms” probably denotes the unseen world in general,
including both good and evil forces.
Ephesians 6:13-20 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Paul was being held in prison during the writing of this epistle. He was most likely being guarded by Roman soldiers clad in their combat garb. From this, and because Christians are faced with such a formidable foe, he draws upon each piece of a soldier’s armor as he instructs the believer to take up the whole armor of God. Ministers have preached volumes regarding these pieces of armor. The following outline found in the Life Application Bible, published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., describes the various pieces of armor most adequately. It will be presented as Piece of Armor—Use—Application.
Having outlined each piece of the “armor of God,” Paul then describes the atmosphere in which the believer-soldier is to live and breathe. It is an atmosphere of praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Here the emphasis is on praying always, which means exactly what it says. As the Christian conducts his affairs throughout the day, he needs to be in his thought processes, in constant touch with God. A Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit will find it as natural to talk with and depend on God in all matters throughout each day, as it is natural to breathe. And as the Christian prays, he should always remember to pray for the Body of Christ. Paul also requested special prayer for his ministry, knowing that God honors prayer and Paul needed all the assistance he could get. He especially requested that they pray that he might be bold and articulate in presenting the “mystery of the gospel,” which as previously discussed is the combining of both Jewish and Gentile believers into one spiritual body, the Body of Christ. It is also worth noting that Paul who was in prison never requested prayers for his release, but only that he be able to represent his Savior Jesus Christ coherently and forcefully. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Ephesians 6:21-24 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Paul sent Tychicus from Rome to Ephesus to inform the Ephesian believers of his condition. He calls Tychicus “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.” There are only five references to Tychicus in the New Testament. He was a member of the party that traveled with Paul from Greece to Asia (Acts 20:4). He was Paul’s messenger to the Colossian believers (Colossians 4:7); to Ephesus (Ephesians 6:21 with 2 Timothy 4:12) and possibly to Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12). In Ephesus he was to inform the saints of Paul’s welfare in prison and to encourage them. Paul closes his epistle with an apostolic benediction, praying that peace, love and faith be granted to the Ephesian believers. Then he says, Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. The word for “sincerity” in the Greek is aphtharsia, which is best understood as “incorruptible, or the incapacity for corruption.” Essentially Paul prays for God’s grace to be with all believers who in sound doctrine and purpose love the Lord Jesus Christ. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. (Titus 2:7) |